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Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Interview with Laurel Osterkamp and book giveaway

By Melissa Patafio

**Giveaway is now closed**

Laurel Osterkamp is the author of "Starring in the Movie of My Life" (reviewed here), a book about two very different women in very different stages of their lives. I am so excited that Laurel stopped by CLC today, because I absolutely loved the book and I know you all will too! Laurel lives in Minneapolis with her husband, son, and daughter, and is working on a fourth novel. Follow her on Twitter and check out her blog!

For some lucky readers, Laurel has two copies of "Starring in the Movie of My Life", either in paperback (US/Canada only) or e-book (International).

Watch the trailer for "Starring..."

What was the biggest challenge you faced while writing "Starring in the Movie of My Life"?

Just finding the time and energy to write was the biggest challenge. I never get as much done as I think I’m going to.

What is your usual writing routine?I usually write during my kids’ naptimes on the weekends or during the summer. I’m a teacher, so the summers are great for writing. I like to listen to music, usually an I-Tunes mix I’ve made with songs that somehow connect me to the story. For me, taking time to write is a luxury, so above everything else I just try to enjoy it.

What was the most difficult thing about switching back and forth between Melody (an 18 year old character) and Sam (a 35 year old character)?

I don’t know if it was difficult, but there were times when I preferred one character to the other. At first I had so much fun writing Melody because she’s so sure of herself and unafraid of what other people think. Samantha took a while to find her voice. However, around half way through the book, Samantha’s story really found its direction, and Melody’s began to falter a little. In the end though, I was happy with how they both turned out.

How do you like to spend your time when you are not writing?

If I’m not working, exercising, spending time with my family, or doing household tasks, then I hope I’m relaxing…reading a good book or watching TV, and preferably eating chocolate.

If you were not a writer, what job would you have?

Well, I’m am a high school teacher, but my dream is to one day be able to make enough money with writing that I can focus just on that. But a long time ago I wanted to be an actress, and I spent years performing with various comedy/improv troupes.

What do you do if you get Writer's Block?

I pick up a novel and start reading. I almost always get inspired with an idea after just a few minutes.

If "Starring..." were made into a movie, who would you want to cast in the roles of Melody, Sam, Collin, and Nate?

I’d cast Haley Steinfeld from True Grit as Melody because she’s young, powerful and strong. For Samantha the actress needs to be warm and likeable, so I’d go with Amy Adams. Orlando Bloom would be Collin, no question, because Samantha compares the two of them in the book. She also compares Nate to Owen Wilson, but Nate has to be younger than her, so I’d probably cast Scott Michael Foster, from Greek.

What do you consider to be your guilty pleasure?

Boots! I get teased over how many pairs I have.

What inspired you to write the complicated stories of Sam and Melody?

Melody was inspired by some of the students I’ve had. Some have come from such terrible situations, yet they can be so smart and strong and really rise above. However, they’re still young and don’t realize how fallible they are. So while Melody’s story with Mr. Linden is entirely made up, her personality and tough home life aren’t.

Samantha’s background is more like my own, and I wrote partly from experience while telling her story. There are lots of differences between her and me, but somehow issues of motherhood, career, love and marriage crept into her chapters, and those are all things I’ve dealt with in the last several years. Plus, she loves movies and so do I!

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you like to go and why?

As I write this I’m preparing for the first solo vacation my husband and I will take since our son was born, six and a half years ago. We’re going to Seattle and up along the coast to Olympic State Park. I’ve always wanted to go there; I’ve never been, and it looks beautiful. Once we get back my answer I’m sure will be different…perhaps the Florida Keyes. I’ve travelled abroad quite a bit, but there are lots of places here in the U.S. that I’d still like to get to.

Special thanks to Laurel for allowing me to get to know her better and providing the books for the giveaway. Thanks also to Samantha Robey from Chick Lit Plus for including CLC as a stop on Laurel's blog tour.

How to win "Starring in the Movie of My Life":Please comment below with your e-mail address.(Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted. You can use AT and DOT to avoid spam. Or provide a link to your facebook page or blog if you can receive messages there.) Also,please indicate where you are located in your comment. If live in the US or Canada and do NOT do this, you will only be considered for an e-book.Bonus entries (can be listed all in one post):1. Please tell us: Have you ever had a crush on one of your grade school or high school teachers?2. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).3. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.4. Join Chick Lit Central on Facebook. Edit settings if you don't want to receive a lot of messages at your e-mail account. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)5. Add a friend to our Facebook group. (Tell us who you added.)Be sure to remind them to edit their settings.

Paperback is US/Canada onlyE-book is internationalGiveaway ends July 5th

This book sounds real fascinating! I love the connection between the two narrating characters and am curious to see what happens! Particularly since yes, I DID fall victim to crushing on a teacher while in High School! ;)nina565(at)aol(dot)com US

1. I had a crush on my English substitue teacher in 9th or 10th grade. He was a musician in a band and age 15 or 16 this was super impressive! We went to all the bands' concerts...My little girl starts school this summer and when I met the head of her new school, he seemed familiar. Turns out he was also a member of that band! Of course, I will never mention I know him from back then ;)

I have never had a crush on my grade school or high school teachers. My grade school teachers were nuns except for one grandpa, and my high school teachers were decidedly uncrushworthy. My college psych prof was pretty awesome though. :)

I live in Topeka, KS AKA middle America. And yes, I have had a crush on a high school teacher. Well, technically, he was a student teacher, but we had him solo for an entire quarter. He was my algebra 2 teacher and he was HOT! He was a football player and I was the head cheerleader so I thought we had 'made a connection.' He was beyond dreamy. ;P And of course, I follow this blog. I'm no longer on fb, though.

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